Led by: Smita and Pankaj Bhatt This 4-hour course introduces participants to the fundamentals of kit-based pen turning using carbide tools, offering a safe, predictable, and beginner-friendly approach. Led by Pankaj and Smita at their woodturning lab, the session walks participants through the complete pen-making workflow—blank preparation, drilling, gluing, barrel trimming, mounting on a mandrel, shaping, sanding, finishing, and final assembly. Each participant will complete one pen from start to finish, gaining confidence in transforming a raw blank into a polished writing instrument.
Custom pen turning
Participants who have completed spindle turning or have basic lathe experience
Hobbyists interested in creating functional, gift-worthy objects
Makers exploring small-scale, precision woodturning
Anyone interested in working with acrylic, resin, or hybrid pen blanks
Designers and educators looking to incorporate pen turning into workshops
Expect approximately 70% hands-on time, with guided demonstrations and supervised practice throughout the session.
Understanding pen kits, bushings, and mandrels
Preparing blanks: cutting, drilling, and gluing brass tubes
Barrel trimming and squaring techniques
Carbide tool selection and safe tool presentation
Shaping pen barrels using rougher, detailer, and finisher tools
Sanding, micro-finishing, and polishing for a professional sheen
Pen assembly techniques and troubleshooting common issues
